Current state of high-accuracy laser ranging

Laser ranging currently provides millimeter accuracy at megameter scales, but even higher accuracy will be required in the near future. Factors limiting the accuracy are variations in the refractive index of Earth's atmosphere and the structure of light-reflecting targets. In this paper, we briefly outline strategies to overcome these limitations and review the progress in deploying Russia's satellite laser ranging network over recent decades. Some prospects for further progress in this field are also discussed.